It’s Christmas week, and yes, there’s still a lot going on across the Finger Lakes. Even with the holiday in full swing, there are some genuinely good things worth stepping out for.
And with warmer-than-usual weather forecast for the big day, it’s one of those Christmases where getting outside actually sounds appealing. A walk. A trail. A stretch after a big meal.
If you’re looking for an excuse to move, explore, or just shake off the couch for a bit, this week’s lineup has you covered.
I’m out visiting family and looking forward to more snow later this winter so I can finally try cross-country skiing. Got any favorite spots, good rental places, or tips? Hit reply and let me know 😃
Merry Christmas!
The Bulletin
Want to spread the word about your business, project, volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to 8,500+ friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.
Finger Lakes National Forest - Did you know there’s a national forest in our backyard — and it’s the only one in New York? It stretches along the ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, with 30+ miles of trails winding through gorges, pastures, and woodlands (yes, with free-ranging cattle - don’t let the cows out!).
Wetlands Brewery - Located in Van Etten, it’s a great new stop after a hike or weekend drive. Casual, family-friendly, and serving up one of the best smash burgers around. Don’t miss the massive soft pretzel, solid beer flights, and comfy seating.
📅 EVENTS
Top Weekend Picks
Wednesday
Grand Kyiv Ballet Presents: Nutcracker @ Palace Theatre (Syracuse) – Classic holiday ballet, magical storytelling, elegant choreography, festive Christmas Eve tradition for all ages.
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles @ Village of Skaneateles (Skaneateles) – Victorian holiday magic, costumed characters, carols, and street merriment, storybook Christmas vibes for all ages.
Christmas Eve at First Baptist Church Ithaca @ First Baptist Church Ithaca (Ithaca) – Community caroling, candlelight worship, children’s nativity moments, heartfelt Christmas Eve tradition for all ages
Bingo at Beef’s @ Beef's Bar & Grill (Horseheads) – Midweek bingo, cold beers, and friendly competition, an easy Wednesday night hang with prizes on the line.
One Eared Cat Live @ Radisson Hotel Corning (Corning) – Cozy Christmas Eve vibes with live rock and blues, festive touches, and an easygoing holiday hang.
Thursday (AKA Christmas)
Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄
Friday
Staff Assisted Climbing Sessions @ Central Rock Gym Syracuse (Syracuse) – Guided indoor climbing adventure, beginner-friendly and family-ready, all gear included, active holiday fun indoors.
Winter Break Movie Magic @ The Discovery Center of Southern Tier (Binghamton) – Family movie fun, festive crafts and activities, cozy winter break vibes, playful and memorable holiday mornings.
2025 Annual December Juried Show @ State of the Art Gallery (Ithaca) – Juried contemporary art showcase, diverse media and styles, standout regional talent, thoughtful gallery wandering.
Cousins Maine Lobster @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – Lobster truck comfort food, easygoing winter hang, no-cook night vibes, casual and delicious post-holiday stop.
Bad Alibi @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – Classic rock hits, high-energy live band, free Friday night music, easygoing brewery vibes.
Brian Wolff @ Crooked Mouth Brewing (Endicott) – Acoustic live sets, relaxed holiday energy, cozy brewery listening vibes, easygoing night out.
The Jess Novak Band at Originals Year-End Party @ Owego Original's Bar and Lounge (Owego) – Soulful pop-rock grooves, powerful vocals and feel-good energy, lively year-end party vibes, dance-ready live music
NO Comedy Improv Longform Show @ 19 Madison Avenue (Endicott) – Longform improv comedy, smart unscripted laughs, quick wit and surprises, fun holiday weekend night out.
Monthly Matinee Movie – Wicked @ Southeast Steuben County Library (Corning) – A cozy library matinee featuring the hit film Wicked, relaxed vibes, comfy seats, and free community cinema.
Mark Nanni @ Jingle Jazz Friday Happy Hour @ Brewery Ardennes Taproom & Kitchen (Geneva) – Holiday jazz vibes, live piano and more, great beer, and cozy barn atmosphere for a festive Friday night.
Aaron Lipp & Gabe Schliffer @ Steuben Brewing Company (Hammondsport) – Soulful acoustic duo, deep musical chemistry, and craft beer vibes for a cozy Keuka Lake winter night.
Rock & Skate @ LECOM Event Center (Elmira) – Late-night skating, rock music, and winter break energy, a fun-filled ice rink night for all ages.
The Royal Tease Live @ Oak's Sports Bar (Corning) – Late-night party vibes, loud live rock, and nonstop energy, a full-throttle Friday night bar takeover.
Saturday
Exhibitor Info Session @ Community Arts of Elmira (Elmira) – Artist info session, exhibition opportunities, creative community connection, casual drop-in arts meetup
Holiday Craft Corner @ Roberson Museum and Science Center (Binghamton) – Festive holiday crafts, hands-on creativity, family-friendly museum fun, cozy seasonal making vibes.
When Harry Met Sally @ Auburn Public Theater (Auburn) – Classic rom-com screening, witty dialogue and timeless charm, cozy afternoon movie vibes, love and laughter on screen.
CatVideoFest 2025 @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Big-screen cat videos, laugh-out-loud moments, and a feel-good night supporting local animal welfare.
Driftwood @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – High-energy folk rock, rich harmonies, and an intimate hometown-style concert experience.
Shawn Duchscherer Live @ Laurentide Beer Company (Penn Yan) – No-cover live rock, cold craft beer, and relaxed Saturday night vibes at a favorite Finger Lakes brewery.
Vinyl Roots Live @ Lucky Hare Brewing Bar and Grill (Watkins Glen) – Acoustic grooves, soulful harmonies, great food and drinks, and laid-back vibes for a fun Saturday night.
Rock & Skate (Taylor Swift Night) @ LECOM Event Center (Elmira) – Taylor Swift hits, lights on the ice, and winter break skating fun for families, teens, and pop fans.
Holiday Sing-A-Long @ WMC North (Elmira) – Late-night holiday sing-along, festive vibes, carols and crowd favorites, plus food truck eats to keep the cheer going.
Sunday
The Bright Side Cafe: Holiday Drink Pop-Up @ Roberson Museum (Binghamton) – Festive lattes, cozy hot cocoa, and holiday vibes, a perfect winter warm-up during a museum visit.
Buster Keaton Comedy Double Feature @ Broome Arena Forum (Binghamton) – Two classic silent comedies, live theatre organ music, and timeless laughs in a nostalgic afternoon screening.
Recurring Events
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🎁 LAST MINUTE GIFTS? 🎁
If you missed the local gift ideas guide last week, you might have time to grab something from the reader submitted creators and shops in the Finger Lakes. Or at least a gift idea for the future since Christmas is tomorrow!
Check it out - you might find something for yourself as well ;)
See You Out There
Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!
Adam Moody
